http://studentdev.jour.unr.edu/alanar

ASUN President Casey Stiteler wants to create a work grant program, emergency tuition fund and provide more money to programs and services by reducing the percentage of the fringe and contingency accounts.

“Because of the situation we are facing as a campus, ASUN needs to take a look at what else we can do,” Stiteler said. “That’s where the idea came for work grants and a potential emergency tuition fund. We can provide jobs and have an emergency fund for students if they suffer a tragedy.”

Student employment on campus suffered in last year’s budget cut and will suffer in this year’s budget cut. The proposed work grant program will provide student jobs throughout the university. Stiteler explained the program would allow departments to manage employees while ASUN pays the employee. The program would require students to be given a meaningful job that could potentially earn them internship credit.

“Ideally, we want students to have the opportunity to find gainful employment on campus,” Stiteler said. “That way they are going to have meaningful jobs, internship credit and achieve academically so that students will benefit in the end.”

The emergency tuition fund would provide students with money and counseling during a tragic event, which would include a death in the family or financial hardship. The fund would be for students who suffered an unforeseen tragedy that would affect their ability to pay tuition and fees. Stiteler mentioned once the proposal is approved, ASUN would setup guidelines for students in need of financial assistance.

The proposal was sent to Senate on April 18, 2011 and should be finalized by May 4, 2011. Once approved, ASUN will start planning and setting up the work grant program and emergency tuition fund.

Stiteler’s proposal was based on reducing the percentage of the fringe and contingency accounts. The fringe account is five percent of an ASUN employee’s wage that is set aside, which is more than the university recommendation of 2.5 percent. The contingency account is five percent of the total ASUN budget that has been set aside in case of an emergency.

Stiteler said the fringe account has about $20,000 to $30,000 and the contingency account has about $80,000, which none of the money has been used. The proposal would use the extra money to start the new programs. It would also reduce the accounts percentage to about three percent so that there would be enough money in the future to fund the new programs.

ASUN funds

“Once the budget has been set aside, we can move forward,” Stiteler said. “We can continue offering the same service in our current programs by finding funding in areas where it’s not really doing anything for students right now.

“We will be able to expand our focus to employment and help students continue their education through the emergency tuition fund. Nothing will see a large reduction and we will still provide something new for students.”

The budget cut and reallocation of funds will not affect employment or ASUN services.

“The biggest problem for us is a potential decrease in enrollment because of the higher cost and fear for a lot of students to continue when their major is being cut,” Stiteler said. “Any drop in enrollment would affect our budget. Our level of funding is based on fulltime enrollment and the amount of students enrolled.”

Even though Stiteler may have concerns about a decrease in enrollment if tuition goes up, Sandra Rodriguez, director of ASUN has a different outlook.

“When the economy goes bad, there’s a tendency for folks to go back into higher education,” Rodriguez said. “Last year, there

ASUN student fee revenue for the total fiscal year

Rodriguez believes that every student who pays the ASUN fee gets something back in return. For instance, Campus Escort is a service funded through ASUN. Chris Partridge, coordinator of program and services for ASUN/Student Activities Center, said the escort service has been extremely busy this year. As of March 2011, Campus Escort gave 10,492 free rides and is predicted to give about 33,000 rides for the year.

Campus Escort rides

Click here to hear an interview with Chris Partridge, ASUN coordinator for programs and services as he describes Campus Escort.

Panel of experts share their views on workplace flexibility

The Women’s Bureau U.S. Department of Labor is raising the bar for flexibility in the workplace and challenges businesses to do the same.

The Women’s Bureau U.S. Department of Labor held the Nevada Statewide Dialogue on Workplace Flexibility Friday afternoon at the University of Nevada, Reno. The event had a variety of speakers who shared their personal stories about workplace flexibility, as well as three workshops for audience and speakers to have open discussions.

“The workplace has changed dramatically because at one time workplace flexibility was for women only,” Jenny Erwin, Regional administrator of Women’s Bureau, said. “Right now there are 60 percent of women in the workplace, four different generations and many different reasons people need workplace flexibility. It’s not a perk. It’s a smart business strategy of the 21^st century.”

Erwin believes flexibility is important for people of all ages. It allows people to be open to possibilities, have the education, confidence and networks they need to reach their goals.

“It benefits families in many companies because if a person wants to take time off for a sick child or an elderly family member, but they don’t have flexibility, it allows them to make adjustments at that time,” Erwin said. “It has the potential to have an overall positive effect on family, community and the business environment.”

Workplace flexibility was brought to a new level after the president and the first lady hosted a dialogue on workplace flexibility in the White House March, 2010. Erwin said the Women’s Bureau was asked to carry the message forward to other businesses so they could understand the flexibility culture. Friday’s event followed the White House’s model exactly by having an opening speaker to set the stage, a panel of experts to talk about the need and value of flexibility, as well as workshops for experts to lend their support and ideas to the audience.

Professionals like Sandy Burud, Flexpaths, LLC, and Dana MacDonald, Disability Resources, Inc., shared their views on workplace flexibility.

“A compressed work week isn’t always a flexible arrangement,” Burud said. “People work in a way that their work can be best effective.”

“An employee or employer should know there are laws and policies, but people can be creative and flexible,” MacDonald said.

Other professionals like Karyn Jensen, The Human Resources Connection, Ltd., Amber Sallaberry, Great Basin Community Food Co-op, Alison Gaulden, Agile Campaign Strategies and Tiffany East, The Glenn Group, provided ideas to improve workplace flexibility. People that work from home or out of state can use technology like Skype, email, phone or other forms of media to have conference calls. Daycare in the workplace was an idea as well. However, the use of technology takes away direct human contact and having a daycare in the office can be a distraction.  Health was also a major concern for improving flexibility.

“Healthier people can produce more productivity,” East said. “Being flexible can relieve worry and stress for employees so they can be healthier, happy and more productive.”

During the meeting, experts gave perspectives and encouraged participants to take workplace flexibility to the next step, but questions remain. How are people going to take what they learned at the event and incorporate it throughout businesses?

Frankie Sue Del Papa, Attorney, Former Attorney General believes the Women’s Bureau should have a dialogue and an action plan as to what states and human resources can do to improve workplace flexibility. Managers and supervisors would need training on how to be flexible, as well as making a commitment to make it happen.

While sitting at Starbucks, Ellyn Morrill shared her story on joining a sorority.

“Since I went Greek, I had a support system and all kinds of things that held me accountable,” Ellyn Morrill, a 20-year-old secondary education major, said. “I became such a stronger, independent and more reliable woman that I think I wouldn’t have been if I didn’t join a sorority.”

As a third-year member of Sigma Kappa and a Panhellenic public relations director, Morrill expressed pride as she gave insight on her Greek life experience.

“I love everything about it, love being part of something bigger and love being part of everything we get to do,” Morrill said. “I love walking on campus knowing all kinds of people, but even if I don’t know them, I see their letters and I recognize them.”

Since her parents were Greeks, Morrill decided to become a member as well, but she was skeptical about the sorority life.

“I had a terrible view going into it, but my view changed afterward,” Morrill said. “I felt like Sigma Kappa chose me and I knew joining meant something big.”

During rush, Morrill explained that she participated in all of the events and saw a power point of statistics that gave her a positive outlook. The power point showed statistics of people who were Greek like CEO’s, US Presidents and Fortune 500 executives. She said that Greeks statistically stay in school longer and the majority of students do better in school than non-Greeks.

One thing Morrill dislikes about the sorority life is the battle they have with UNR and the local community regarding the importance of Greek life and everything they do.

“Our main goal is to show the community what Greek life has to offer,” Morrill said.  “People have a hard time realizing what Greeks do because there’s so much bad PR regarding past mistakes.”

Since Morrill is the Panhellenic public relations director, she plans for recruitment and plans the philanthropy events. She explained that every house is different, has different goals and their own philanthropy. For instance, Tri Delta’s charity is St. Jude and Sigma Kappa’s charity is Alzheimer’s research. She mentioned Sigma Kappa’s goal is $5,000, but last year they raised $8,000 for Alzheimer’s research. The house also exceeded the mandatory ten hours of community service time.

Morrill said that last year she helped put on the Greek-A-Palooza event, which was on campus and included a bounce house and other activities. Greeks also volunteered with Big Brothers/Big Sisters, cleaned parks and had a drive for clothes donations.

For spring 2011, Morrill explained that Greek life is striving to improve relations with each other and the community. They want to improve philanthropy and have an all-Greek gala event to focus on unity.

In addition, Greek life has affected Morrill in a big way.

“I’m such a better person because of it,” Morrill said. “I was a good student and involved in high school, but when I went into college, my life could have gone in two different directions.”

For her future, Morrill said education is definitely her calling since she is planning to be an English teacher, but she plans to stay connected to Greek life. She hopes to be an advisor for a chapter and is considering being part of Sigma Kappa nationally.

In an interview, Jeanine Menolascino described the different aspects of the Greek system.

“Greek life is important because it provides a network, opportunities, enhances leadership and personal training skills,” Jeanine Menolascino, a 26-year-old coordinator for Greek, said. “It’s also a support system with brotherhood and sisterhood and helps create awareness through fundraising.”

By going Greek, members can learn how to use technology like computers, learn how to communicate and resolve issue.

“You could be a vice president, lead others or do what you never imagined,” Menolascino said. “It just depends on the student, what you make of it and involvement with the chapter.

“It allows them to learn, communicate in a group and prepares students for the real world.”

She mentioned that it doesn’t matter what age you are or how long you’ve been in college, students can still be part of a sorority or fraternity.

Menolascino advised that there are certain requirements to join the Greek system. Students have to enroll in nine credits at the University of Nevada, Reno. They also have to have a 2.75 GPA coming out of high school and maintain a 2.5 GPA at the university.

For new members, she said there is a Greek 101 program. The program provides background information on Greek life, Greek values and information on hazing and how to report it.

Besides hazing, Menolascino mentioned other problems in the Greek system. The non-benefits are the use of alcohol, as well as eating disorders, among women. Members can get the education they need to resolve these issues.

Even though there are some negative aspects in the Greek system, they value academic achievement.

“Our main focus is academics,” Menolascino said. “All three councils are revamping support for academics because all students come first.”

Menolascino pointed out the statistics on Greek life involvement and academic achievement. She said that Greek life involvement is about seven percent at the University of Nevada, Reno and 11 percent nationally.

For fall 2010, Menolascino said the overall GPA for sororities at UNR was 2.95, which was slightly above average. For all women on campus, the average GPA was 2.93. She said the GPA for fraternities at UNR was 2.67. Their GPA was below the overall average of men on campus, which was 2.83.

At the Starbucks in Joe Crowley Student Union, Julia Lapham gave her perspective on Greek life.

Julia Lapham, a 20-year-old biology major and Panhellenic vice president for programming, described Greek life as the best decision one can make.

“For some people it’s about their resume,” Lapham said. “For other people it’s about personal growth, great connections and a once in a lifetime opportunity.”

Lapham, who is also a Sigma Kappa member, said the Greek system is what you make of it depending on the aspect and house.

“It has definitely made me more grown up,” Lapham said. “It taught me how to get an occupation, how to talk to people and be friendly. It also gave me a new look on morals.”

Ellyn Morrill, a 20-year-old secondary education major and Panhellenic public relations director, gave her perspective on academics.

“Greek life is extremely beneficial regarding academics,” Morrill said. “When you’re in college, there’s so much going on that you lose track of what’s important. It helps you focus.”

Since Morrill is a member of Sigma Kappa, she said the house has an academic incentive program. She explained that there is a “skipping jar,” to help members not skip class and an “A’s jar” to help members get better grades. If their name is drawn, members get a Starbucks gift card. She also said that there is a “smarty panties jar,” which members can get a Victoria Secret gift card for exceeding the mandatory amount of study hours.

“We want all of you to go Greek,” Morrill said. “We want you to be part of what we are a part of because it doesn’t just stop at the house. Women that have graduated come back as alumna and participate in recruitment, different events and dances.”

As elegant music played and wine was poured, people gathered at L’uva Bella Wine Gallery to help raise money for Koz’s Kids, a foundation that helps neglected and abused children.

Debby Bullentini, owner of L’uva Bella Wine Gallery.

Debby Bullentini, owner of L’uva Bella Wine Gallery, gave her perspective on the event.   

“Koz’s Kids is a fund that benefits the Reno Rodeo foundation,” Bullentini said. “It is a fundraiser for the kids through the foundation.”

A glass of wine being poured.

Bullentini believed mixing wine and raising money was a good thing.

“Who doesn’t like wine, everyone likes wine,” Bullentini said. “I think it’s going great because people seem to be enjoying themselves and it kind of takes the edge off by letting people mingle and it also helps a non-profit organization.”

Bullentini anticipated that they would be going through a case and a half of wine tonight, which would be about 18 bottles. She said anyone could participate in the event who wanted to drink wine and donate money. She said regular customers were even interested in donating as well.

“I am blessed in life and when I retired from teaching, I made it my life mission to give back,” Bullentini said. “Anything that will help kids or those in need, that’s kind of why I participated.”

Linda Nordvig, a 52-year-old attorney, works the donation booth.

Linda Nordvig, a 52-year-old attorney, was working the donation booth.

“I’m the chairperson for Koz’s Kids, which is a group associated with the Reno Rodeo foundation as a non-profit organization to help kids at the Kids Kottage,” Nordvig said. “We do anything to help them feel like normal kids by supplementing clothing, backpacks, personal items and have two events for the kids, which are Wild Waters in the summer and a pajama movie party in the fall.”

Nordvig said their goal was $500, which they would meet. The money will be used for spring clothes shopping for the kids and for the children to use at Wild Waters.

Even though attendance at the event was light, Nordvig was thankful to have donations.

“The event is a little slow, which is partly because of the weather and the beautiful day,” Nordvig said. “Every event we do we get more people. It’s a hard time for non-profits so we are just happy with whatever donations we get.”

Marie Baxter, a 37-year-old executive director of the Reno Rodeo Foundation, Sheilah Capurro, a 60-year-old volunteer and Jenna Sulprizio, a 25-year-old friend have a conversation at the Koz's Kids event.

Baxter said Koz’s Kids started with a group of friends who wanted to help kids in memory of Cheryl Kosewicz. Kosewicz was a district attorney in Reno who died at a very young age. Kosewicz’s friends are on the committee, and a lot of them are from the District Attorney’s office and the Public Defender’s office. Baxter said that Kosewicz helped kids in foster homes.

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Finals are here once again and many University of Nevada, Reno students find themselves rushing to finish their last minute studies before their final exams.

Some students are just about finished while others have barely just begun. The Mathewson-IGT Knowledge Center has been more crowded than usual this week, but it hasn’t stopped anyone from cramming.

“I study all day, every day,” Nicole Clark, a 23-year-old psychology major, said. “And I drink lots and lots of coffee.”

Finals began Thursday Dec. 10 and end Wednesday Dec. 15. Some places on campus are staying open later to accommodate finals week. Starbucks Coffee in the Joe Crowley Student Union stays open until midnight and the Knowledge Center closes at until 1:00 a.m. this week.

Lindy Deller, a 19-year-old French and accounting major, organizes the coat rack at Bobo's Mogul Mouse.

Lindy Deller, a 19-year-old French and accounting major, described the cost of snowboarding while working at Bobo’s Mogul Mouse.

Deller said her pass to Northstar Ski Resort with a student discount was $350. For all new gear like jacket and pants, she paid about $300 to $400. A new board costs about $300 to $500. By working at Bobo’s Mogul Mouse, Deller gets a 30 percent discount. As for snowboarding expenses for other college students, she said many students come in asking for discounted items. Most students look for discounts, but it depends on the student and how much they are willing to pay.

Being a college student with today’s economy, Deller has changed her ways to afford snowboarding.

“I carpool a lot more with other people so I can make sure I don’t waste too much gas,” Deller said. “I try to save money by eating at home for lunch breaks or packing granola bars to bring with me on the mountain.”

Scott Sabo shops for snowboarding equipment at Bobo's Mogul Mouse.

Scott Sabo, a 38-year-old customer service manager, gave his perspective on the cost of snowboarding for college students while shopping at Bobo’s Mogul Mouse.

“When my daughter goes to college, I will totally support it,” Sabo said. “I got her into skiing last year and want her to hopefully have it as a passion for the rest of her life.”

Sabo also said that he would help his daughter with passes or equipment when she goes to college. He said every winter passes together are $500. He mentioned last year that his daughter’s ski equipment was $350. A ski jacket and pants were $200 to $250. With today’s economy, Sabo said he loves discounts and looks for them everywhere.

Chris Longobardi, a 21-year-old journalism major, describes snowboarding.

Chris Longobardi, a 21-year-old journalism major, described his passion for snowboarding and how he affords it as a college student.

“Snowboarding is fun and it’s nice having friends when you’re in college that want to go with you so you have a lot more friends to go with and have a good time,” Longobardi said. “It’s good exercise and it’s nice to be one with nature.”

Longobardi said that snowboarding costs about $600 every season depending on what the season is like. As for discounts, he said a lot of ski resorts have discounts. Squaw Valley Ski Resort had a huge discount on passes and student discounts on day passes as well. He said that students get a good discount wherever they go.

Unfortunately, Longobardi injured himself while snowboarding a few weeks ago. Being a college student, he said he was thankful to have insurance. Even though he got hurt on the mountain, he still has a passion for snowboarding.

“I think it is fun and a good way to get away from school to relax,” Longobardi said. “I think it’s a good way to see all the mountains, see the beautiful snow and trees.”

John Berriochoa, a 29-year-old fitness facility coordinator at Lombardi Recreation Center, gave his perspective on

John Berriochoa, a 29-year-old fitness facility coordinator demonstrates the process of renting snowboarding gear.

how college students afford snowboarding.

“There’s always a way to fund it,” Berriochoa said. “Credit cards and student loans are great, but in the end you are paying a lot of student loans back like me now because I had my fun.”

“For my personal experience at the gym, a lot of student employees do snowboard by having part-time jobs, which seem to help so that they are able to snowboard,” Berriochoa said. “Students also afford it if they have scholarships or their parents pay for school.”

As for renting equipment at Lombardi Recreation Center, Berriochoa said the facility likes to buy the latest equipment and rent it out to students at a decent price. He said it’s beneficial to be a college student because they don’t rent out to the outside community.

Those who never tried skiing or snowboarding can rent equipment before they buy their own stuff. He said students can rent ski and snowboard equipment with a student ID. In addition, they must leave a deposit for $300, which is returned unless equipment comes back damaged. He mentioned that a snowboard package includes a snowboard, hat, bindings, boots, and leash for $20 a day or $35 for a weekend.

As for renting equipment this season, he said things are getting more affordable for people and people are finding cheaper equipment. He also said students may not realize what the facility has to offer.

Berriochoa thinks college students should rent equipment more often so that they can relieve stress from school and their personal life.

“I think it’s a great outlet, but it is truly expensive,” Berriochoa said. “I think we do offer a great break from that especially people that want to try it the first time.”

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Delta Sigma Pi help out Veterans by giving out poppies in return for donations.

A group of people wine taste at Sierra Tap House bar and Truckee River Eats and Sweets.

On a fall day in October, many people gathered downtown for the Riverwalk Wine Walk. While merchants prepared and opened different bottles of Chardonnay and Merlot, participants got in line for a wine tasting adventure.

Donna Quante, an administrative manager for the Riverwalk Merchants Association, described the Wine Walk while sitting outside Java Jungle on a warm afternoon.

“Nothing like this existed before,” Quante said. “It’s a unique idea to offer something different to the community.”

Quante explained that the event draws people downtown because people like wine, food and shopping.

“Food and wine grab people’s attention,” Quante said. “The Wine Walk is a fundraiser and an attention getter to bring people to businesses.”

She said that the Riverwalk Merchants Association generates the Wine Walk every month to promote downtown business and to help raise money for charities like Good Luck Macbeth, American Lung Association and MS Society, just to name a few. She explained that the Riverwalk Merchants Association sponsors a new charity for that month in which $500 of the Wine Walk proceeds go towards the charity.

She said that regardless of weather conditions, the Wine Walk is from 2 p.m. to 5 p.m. every third Saturday of the month. Participants must be 21 years old or older. Quante explained that every month the Riverwalk Merchants Association sells merchants new maps, which include wristbands and plain wine glasses. Merchants then sell participants a plain or a hand painted wine glass for $20. The wine glass also comes with a free wristband and a map of the Riverwalk District. She said that the Riverwalk District includes businesses along Lake St., First St., Virginia St., Sierra St., Island Ave., Arlington Ave. and West Second St.

Many people wait outside to taste wine at Jungle Vino.

Since Jungle Vino was one of the merchants that participated in the Wine Walk, Alana Coogan, an employee at Jungle Vino, gave her perspective on the event.

“It’s pretty great that people pay for the Riverwalk Wine Walk,” Coogan said. “It’s the busiest day in town because it brings new people and creates a lot of business.”

Coogan explained that the Wine Walk brings businesses together to help raise money for charities. She said that the Wine Walk also brings more people downtown, which increases revenue.

“Everyone’s attitude is enjoyable because people come downtown to have fun,” Coogan said. “People are happy, enthusiastic and fun.”

Silver Peak Restaurant and Brewery also participated in the Wine Walk. Jaimi Ficco, a manager at Silver Peak, shared his views on the monthly event.

“The Wine Walk is a fantastic thing for the area,” Ficco said. “However, sometimes the intention of it gets lost because some people use it to get a cheap drunk, which leads to less than honorable behavior.”

He explained that the Wine Walk creates more of a lunch rush, but business is normal without the event. Ficco said that he believes in keeping the area alive and growing, which the Wine Walk helps bring more people downtown.

People stand in line inside the River Gallery to try wine.

Since the River Gallery was part of the Wine Walk, Alejandra Carpenter, the owner of the River Gallery, gave her perspective on the event.

“The Wine Walk is amazingly positive and a wonderful time,” Carpenter said. “I’m thankful to the people and clients that come to the event because they also collect art.”

She explained that the River Gallery has been part of the Wine Walk for 5 ½ years. Carpenter said that she believes downtown is the heart of the city. She was appreciative and liked the fact that people come to the Wine Walk each month. Carpenter mentioned that many customers over the years have become friends. She also mentioned that the wine glass itself is a treat because it is hand painted. Every month wine glasses are hand painted with different designs.

“The Wine Walk is for people to see the store and to buy art, not for people to get drunk,” Carpenter said. “It’s a lot of work to setup the event, but it’s a great opportunity for people to come and support businesses. It’s good for visitors to see positive things for downtown.”

As for the monthly charity, Good Luck Macbeth was the charity for the October Wine Walk. Scott Reeves, board president of Good Luck Macbeth and an employee of Riverwalk Merchants Association, appreciates the exposure.

“The Wine Walk is a good advertising tool that distributes information regarding upcoming events,” Reeves said. “It has been great because people keep coming.”

Reeves described Good Luck Macbeth as a classic theater company that relocated and is now on North Virginia St. He mentioned that the theater company writes and produces new shows that were originally produced in 1965. He explained that Good Luck Macbeth is a nonprofit company that the Wine Walk sponsors. He also mentioned the company has its logo on some of the wine glasses, which grab people’s attention.

“For the October Wine Walk, we went through two cases of red and white wine,” Reeves said. “The new location has been beneficial because we are closer to others in the Wine Walk.”

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